The World Pickleball League Set to Begin in India

January 3:
Co-founded by former Indian Tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the World Pickleball League kicks off on the January 24th and will feature 48 players from India and across the world playing for six franchises.

Pickleball is well received in US both by the youth and the aged.Slowly but steadily it flourishes in India as well.

(Gaurav and Arati)

With WPBL's commitment to fostering a vibrant pickleball ecosystem, this partnership promises to bring a new era of excitement and growth to the sport in India. Thrilling fusion of sports, entertainment, and community is in the offing as the WPBL takes center stage by the fourth week of this month

The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, founded by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of revolutionizing pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to transforming pickleball through exceptional events, engaging fan experiences, and fostering a vibrant pickleball community while setting new standards for the sport. WPBL will also sponsor grassroots tournaments in each franchise city to develop local talent. With Sony Corporation as an investor and partner, WPBL works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) in the USA.

Both Gaurav and Arati are from sports family.Gaurav's father Nandu Natekar had excelled in tennis where as Arati's mother Nirmala Uthayya was India's sprinter queen in the early 1970s.Her father Ponnappa was a well known one lap runner.

And, Priya Atlee and Filmmaker Atlee, celebrated for their creative brilliance and ability to captivate audiences, have announced their acquisition of the Bengaluru franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The team will be called Bengaluru Jawans. The acquisition marks the couple’s foray into the world of sports, aligning with their love for pickleball and their vision to contribute to the growth of the World Pickleball League.

(Priya and Atlee)
The Bengaluru Jawans team consists of a formidable line up of players in a roster that includes Indian pickleball sensation Vrushali Thakare who is better known as Hammer Thakare for her dashing style of play. She will be joined by Jack Foster, Katerina Stewart, Trang Hyunh McClain, Marcelo Jardim, Alejandra Bobaria, Felix Grunert, Mauro Garcia who complete an enviable line-up.

Atlee & Priya shared their excitement for the acquisition of the Bengaluru franchise said: "Entertainment has always been our passion, and we been fortunate to tell stories that connect with people on a deeper level. Sports, like cinema, has the power to evoke emotions, build communities, and inspire change. The World Pickleball League stood out to us as the perfect blend of both worlds—a delectable mix of high-energy sport and vibrant entertainment. This league is redefining how we experience sports in India, and we are thrilled to be a part of its journey to create a unique platform that celebrates athleticism, culture, and community. We share a deep spiritual connection with Bengaluru, a city where we have been warmly embraced by the affection and support of countless fans and friends. The city’s unique charm and growing significance in our lives continue to leave a lasting impression."

“The World Pickleball League is a celebration of everything that makes sports and entertainment so compelling—passion, energy, and community building. Priya and Atlee’s entry into the league with Bengaluru Jawans adds incredible momentum to our vision of creating a platform that transcends traditional sport and offers fans a one-of-a-kind experience. Their expertise in storytelling and entertainment perfectly complements WPBL’s goal of redefining how sports is consumed in India, and we’re excited about the journey together."Gaurav Natekar said.

Flag football and squash will make their debut in 2028 Olympics.Break Dancing rather breaking was there in 2024, it's possible pickleball will also become an Olympic sport in future.Let's hope Gaurav- Arati team's pioneering effort will be rewarded.